Hi Everyone! I do hope you’ve joined in the Halloween fun and signed up for this month’s WEP. I’ll try to get around to say hi to you if you have, but I may be late because I’m off on some family business, and then another trip. If I’m late, just remember that old saying about “better late than. . .”
Yolanda Renee and Denise Covey |
I’m a “if it goes bump in the night, I’m out of here” kind of person, but because I’m also something of a paradox at times, I adore Halloween. It has always been my favorite holiday. Maybe I’m a Druid at heart? Just a scaredy cat kind of Druid.
So here’s my contribution for this WEP Halloween Challenge.
Since childhood, her greatest fear has been this! She’s guarded against it every year. Every year until this one. Well, there was the book to write, the new job. Lots of changes. No time.
Now huddled in the room, she waits, heart slamming against her chest. And then. . .
A thud, thud, thud of knuckles against the wood summons her, and when she grasps the knob, when she twists it and the latch clicks free, the cautioning voice in her head hisses, “Don’t open that door.”
Still she knows she must ignore the warning, and she must deal with the consequences. As the door swings in and the fingers of the October night chill her skin, they’re out there. Eyes big and set on her, their demands unwavering.
There are three this time, but more hovering just out of that cone of yellow light that thwarts the insects, but fails to protect her against these spirits.
What does she have in her storehouse that might appease them and send them away?
“Nothing.” That inner voice is talking to her again.
If she moves fast, slams the door, locks it and turns off all the lights, will they vanish? Will she be able to climb between her sheets, knowing she’s escaped their vengeance?
“Not on your life.” Damn! That voice won’t shut up.
Then from out of the darkness. . . “Trick or treat,” the first ghost sing-songs.
J Lenni Dorner says
Very nice! Funny. Though people with social anxity and such probably do hate a day when suddenly everyone is knocking at their door. So funny and true! Great job.
Medeia Sharif says
I loved that innocent twist at the end. Great piece.
Arpan Ghosh says
Hah, a fun take on trick or treating. In many ways, little kids demanding candy can be just as scary as any hungry monster!
Sally says
Loved the ending – you built up the tension to the last lines perfectly .
D.G. Hudson says
A nice twist on the trick or treat part of Halloween. I don't mind the little kids but I don't care for older teens out trick or treating. Some of them are bigger than me. . .after a certain time, I just don't answer the door.
Karen Lange says
Hi Lee, stopping in to say hello and let you know that you won the giveaway over at my blog. Congrats! When you get a break in the action, would you email your mailing address to karenelangeATgmailDOTcom? Hope you are enjoying your trip! 🙂
Michelle Wallace says
Ooo. Loved your trick-or-treat offering.
We don't really celebrate Hallowe'en this side of the globe…
Robert Bennett says
Hahaha! That was awesome. I came for the spooky and stayed for the funny.
Shah Wharton says
I love Halloween too, and your story was great 🙂 Gutted, I missed this blog hop though. Have where ever you are. Enjoy the weekend. X
shahwharton.com
N. R. Williams says
Haha, that was funny. Scared of ghost who turn out to be children. I was once scared of ghost, now I'm just annoyed.
Nancy
Shooting Stars Mag says
Ooh nice story – great job! I do love Halloween as well. I've gotten better with spooky things, but I'm still a jumpy person.
Samantha Redstreake Geary says
Haha, I feel ya! We don't have a homeowners association, but come Halloween, we'd better have a thousand bucks worth of candy or we're toast!
S.K. Anthony says
Awww adorable!! Loved it!!! 😀
BUDDY says
Great ending, Lee! Mike says O. Henry and Edgar Allan Poe are both giggling in their graves.
Bish Denham says
This put a smile on my face. However, I'm not convinced that the REAL reason you like Halloween is because of all the candy!
Nilanjana Bose says
Too cute! Hope she managed to find something to appease those ghosts. Thanks for the smile.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Fun story!
Olga Godim says
So charming. Love it!
Elephant's Child says
Those voices in our heads are irritating know-it-alls aren't they? And frequently right.
Smiling at this. Have a wonderful, productive time away…
Birgit says
Very good story and I love Halloween (my fav is Christmas). I once bought candy ahead of time and that eve I noticed most was gone! I looked around to see my hubby trying to tip toe away…he was caught! I sent him…for more candy.
Deborah Drucker says
Very cute. Yeah sometimes those kids costumes can be scary. 🙂
Tyrean Martinson says
Nice! We have some friends that live in an extremely popular neighborhood for trick or treating and they worry about having enough to appease the little candy monsters. 🙂
dolorah says
Ha, way cool. Last year was the first year in our new home. I ran out of candy 20 minutes into the evening, and spent about 2 1/2 hours telling kids the candy ran out. Horrifying!! I've already spent $60 so far, and thinking maybe two more big bags might same me from the terror of no Trick or Treaters 🙂
Beverly Stowe McClure says
Ha, ha. What fun. Since I live in the country and it's really dark at night, I haven't had a trick or treater in years. I miss the little ghosts and witches.
Yolanda Renee says
I too, am a bit skittish, but love the season and enjoy reading the scary! Your flash was perfect. We don't have to worry now though, because no one knocks on the door. But just in case, we always buy a bag or two or three – just in case!
Thank you for participating in the WEP Halloween Challenge, you presented us with a real treat. Have a great time with family and traveling!
Happy Halloween!
Chrys Fey says
Ghosts are trick-or-treating. Love it! I have candy and Halloween pencils so I'm ready. 😉
Kelly Polark says
Better get to the store and quick! 🙂
I love Halloween!
Mark Noce says
Very cool! Halloween is my favorite holiday too:)
Loni Townsend says
Sounds like there's going to be tricks since there were no treats! Great story.
Hope you have safe travels!
Roland D. Yeomans says
The unhappy, disappointed faces are the worst part of not having prepared for the little goblins. Good job. 🙂
Catherine Stine says
Evocative piece of spooky flash fiction! I just saw Crimson Peaks last night so I am definitely in the Halloween mood.
Madilyn Quinn says
That is definitely a scary thing! I at least don't have to worry about it, living in an apartment and also usually out trick r treating with the kiddo anyway. Cute story!!
Misha Gericke says
Hahaha terrifying. 😀
lorilmaclaughlin.com says
Ha, ha, cute story! Enjoy your trip!
Laura Clipson says
I love this! I must remember to get something in for when they come knocking on my door 🙂
Denise Covey says
Oh, someone wasn't prepared for visitors! Scary thing! Love the ghost pic. So good!
Now you go off and enjoy your trip and do what you have to do. Look forward to catching up when you get back.
Thanks for joining the WEP challenge even when scary isn't so much your thing. Glad Halloween is.
Denise 🙂
Pat Hatt says
May get a few tp rolls spread around haha
Mason Canyon says
Very enjoyable. Those little treaters can be very tricky if not feed.
nashvillecats2 says
I enjoyed your post about Halloween Lee, always a good subject to write about.
Yvonne.
sage says
Enjoyed your story and now you enjoy your trips! Sadly, we didn't have any kids last Halloween.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Not having anything for the Trick-or-Treaters is a scary thing!